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Nasdaq Gets Tough in LSE Bid

Offer Now Hinges
On Simple Majority
Of Shareholder Support

By

Alistair MacDonald and

Gren Manuel

Updated Dec. 13, 2006 12:01 a.m. ET

LONDON -- Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. said it will consider its &pound;2.7 billion ($5.28 billion) bid to buy London Stock Exchange PLC successful if a simple majority of shareholders support it, an easier condition to meet than a previous attempt to gain all of the London exchange's shares.

Nasdaq, employing an aggressive tactic used in takeover fights, said it will make its offer unconditional if 50% plus one share support it, down from the more typical 90% level it had demanded, a change disclosed in the offer document...